British weather changes throughout the year. Temperatures can rise up to 28ºC in the summer and may go down to -2ºC in the winter. The warmest time of the year is between June and August, the coldest between November and February. Clouds and rain can be followed by sunshine and blue skies, sometimes all in the same day.

You will need some warm and waterproof clothes for when you are outside. Pack clothes that you can wear in layers, for example, thermal underwear, t-shirts, sweatshirts and sweaters.

You can bring as much money as you like into the UK, but you will have to tell customs. You may also need to check how much your country will let you take out. British currency is made up of pounds and pence and is known as sterling. 100 pence make one pound. Pounds are represented by the sign ‘£’ and pence by the sign ‘p’.

There are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 coins and £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. In the UK, it is very unusual for large sums of money to be carried in cash. We would advise you either to pay by credit card or to open a bank account and arrange a standing order or direct debit payment for regular bills.

Soon after you arrive in UK, you will need to access money to pay for rent, living expenses and tuition fees. Many students bring a credit card which has been issued in their own country and use it to pay for items and get cash from their bank in their home country. Check with your bank before leaving home that you will be able to use your credit card at cash dispensers (ATMs) in the UK.

If you are in the UK for more than a few months, you will probably need to open a bank account. Ask for advice from your own bank before leaving home as they may have a special arrangement with a bank in the UK.

It may take two to three weeks to open an account, so make sure you have access to any money you will need during this period. Bring travelers cheques or a bank draft with you to avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you. Most international students can open a bank account but the types of accounts vary so please check what each bank account offers before deciding. However, please note that no account will provide you with an ‘overdraft’ facility (to borrow money from a bank). Students who are in the UK for less than six months may find it difficult to open any type of bank account.

To open a bank account you need to be in the UK, and you will be asked to provide certain proof and documents.

Make sure when you open an account that you understand whether and when your bank will charge you bank fees. Some bank accounts may make you pay a fee if your account does not always have a certain amount of money kept in it at all times. Other bank accounts charge a standard monthly subscription.

When you arrive in UK, the Student Welfare Officer will give you more information about where you can open an account in UK.

Note that there is likely to be a queuing system in place so check that you join the right one! The Immigration Officer will want to see that your documents are in order, that your passport is up-to-date, check your landing card and visa/entry clearance. Also have evidence of financial support, your admission letter and your accommodation confirmation, ready for inspection. Part of the immigration process may, if required, include evidence of a recent medical examination or international vaccination certificate.

Airport security: www.international.ed.ac.uk/links/7

As part of the immigration process it is possible that you may be stopped and asked some additional security questions. If there are any problems, or if you have any concerns on arrival regarding your passage through immigration/passport control, ask the Immigration Officer to contact the college. Have a pen ready just in case you have to take down details.

We have provided below details of how you can make your own way to the College. For advice on travelling to the College you can contact info@glasgowcitycollege.com

In the event of any difficulty when you arrive in the UK, you can contact the College.

If you wish to take a black cab from the airport, you can always find an official airport taxi or ‘black cab’ from the black cab rank outside the arrival terminal. Do NOT accept rides from anyone who approaches you in the airport. You should agree the price with the black cab driver before you begin your journey.

You should make sure you have the correct money in UK currency. You should also make sure you have the address of where you are going written out clearly to show to the black cab driver.